Monday, July 04, 2005

Some emailed me over the weekend and were confused as to my thoughts about this concert and its purpose. So let me try to clear up any ambiguity. As I have written in a previous article, I do not support the idea that poverty could be "made history" by having a global concert or by the G8 Summit meeting in Scotland this week to "cancel third world debt." This is an effort in futility for several reasons: 1. we're dealing with corrupt governments that are not prone to democratic/human rights thinking; 2. what we have is not a product shortage around the world, but a political one; 3. the most efficient and productive way to use funds and resources abroad is through the private sector--not governmental agencies; 4. the best private sectors are local churches (evangelical/Christian) in those respective nations and/or through private non-profit Para-church ministries; neither of which has been mentioned or made a focus as a viable outlet for the LIVE8 organizers; and 5. in light of Jesus' admonition in John 12:1-8 it seems arrogant and a self-aggrandizing to even think that their efforts could "make poverty history." One must ask the question, when the media circus's lens is not on the world stage, what have all of these singers, actors, celebrities, political figures, etc. been doing the last twenty years since LIVEAID/BANDAID to help "make poverty history?" The answer is obvious: very little.

Again, corrupt tyrannical regimes are the issue here; and throwing more U.S. money or supplies at this problem and canceling legitimate debt by then trading guarantee status to the IMF or World Banks will not begin to solve this plight whatsoever. Mr. Limbaugh is correct that the LIVE8 concert is just another way of saying "we're going to raise your taxes."

Lastly, what I do consider to be a "just and noble cause" is the feedling of the poor and providing them with clean water, medical supplies, education and the gospel of grace from a Christian world-view. This way addresses both their physical and spiritual poverty. But I did not support the LIVE8 concert's philosophy or focus this past weekend. As stated above, we as Christians, we should be going to them partnering with local churches in their own countries and/or solid proven Christian Para-church ministries like: Food for the Hungry and Compassion, International. Both believe and share the gospel; both support the local church; and both are excellent stewards of our financial resources. I hope this helps to clarify.

From a conservative political/social point of view, listen below to what Mr. Limbaugh said about the LIVE8 event--he is insightful, lucid, and spot on target as he offers very helpful commentary and a much needed perspective. A New Tax Increase for the American People?

As a professional musician, one should not make bold statements about subjects that we are not experts on.

In general, I don't see a coherent alternative in your remarks. A reduction in public debt will help private enterprise to the extent that it facillates the provision of public infrastructure needed by private enterprise.

We need to support the Christians in these countries in their own efforts to reduce the corruption and improve the governance in their country, but they can't do much so long as they are saddled by so much debt.

As mentioned before, it doesn't take a lot to make a big difference among the extreme poor and so some debt-cancellation can be justified even if there are inevitable leakages.

Some needed stuff must be provided by the public gov't and that is why corruption does not mean we don't need to commit to helping them build fire walls that will secure the provision of needed public goods.

"I'm in debt. How do I get out of it?" It's a common question these days, and a problem that's made no easier by today's economic troubles. But whatever debts an individual is facing, they're likely to have at least one debt solution available to them. Scottish Trust Deeds is similar to an IVA, but only available to residents of Scotland. In most cases, a Trust Deed will last for three years.

terms of use

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

1. Keep on topic; don't feed the trolls.

2. No gratuitous cursing; corrupt speech; unwholesome talk; graphic sexual references; or foul humor used to attack another person or bring shame upon the name of Jesus Christ, His gospel, His Word, or His church.

3. No anonymous posting allowed. You must fill out and complete the Blogger bio form on all essential categories completely (i.e. email, blogs, city, state, vocation, etc.). In regards to name: first name only is acceptable-last name can be included at your own discretion. AND, you may only post under one name at a time--no multiple "nicks." Please enable blogger to allow your profile to be shown.

4. No drive-by posting. No posting in book form; keep it a reasonable length that will encourage others to post and promote further biblical discussion.

5. Titus 1:9 says, "instruct in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict." Though I allow diverse and vigorous discussion to take place here, unsound doctrine can assuage both orthopraxy and orthodoxy, and therefore, will be confronted fearlessly and refuted relentlessly when it is expressed.

6. Any current comments, past comments, and/or all future comments on any article(s) at COT will be deleted at my sole discretion that do not honor the letter and/or spirit of the above.

7. You may not copy any comment thread or portion thereof (except your own) and reproduce or distribute them either electronically or in printed form without written permission from the blog administrator. To do so will be to violate the copyright and license provisions of this blog. You may copy a portion of any article (a few paragraphs) and link back to this site. You may not link to your blog to redirect any discussion on any article to promote your own site. Please keep the discussion here as intended. Reproducing the entire contents of any article posted at COT at another site, book, magazine, newsletter, mailing, etc. requires written permission from the blog administrator. This does not apply to unedited works that are already public domain reproduced here.

8. In short, you’re my guest here. I value your opinion and am happy to provide you with a forum in which to express it. Please respect my hospitality by not using this site to further a personal agenda or demean others, including moi. Failing to comply with these rules may result in a request for you to leave.

MISC STUFF

BRIEF BIO

Musicianary; Bible teacher/preacher; religious satirist; biblical reformer; Protestant, and evangelical provocateur. After twenty-nine years in CCM, you get introduced in concert in the most odd and yet, memorable ways.
My personal favorite? John MacArthur once introduced me at Grace Community Church as: "Keith Green with theology." Keith was a dear friend of mine... I was very honored. I started in music ministry in 1978 with the release of "Saying It With Love"-my first album. Since then, by God's grace, I have released a total of 18 CDs/albums.